Reinhard (Ron) Banek

September 22, 1929 – December 11, 2021 

Surrounded by loving family the most remarkable man we know peacefully left us and we are heart broken. Reinhard (Ron) touched many lives and will be lovingly remembered by so many people.
Left to mourn are his wife of over 61 years Eugenie (Pat) (nee Randall); his 3 daughters Karen, Christine (Marcel) Girardin, Margaret-Ann (Ron) Hegdahl; his 7 grandchildren Kimberly (Chuck), Allan, Jacob, Daniel (Alana), Holly (Randy), Kamal and Janneh; his brother in Germany, Hermann Banek and his family; many more extended family members, his cherished neighbours, his church friends and anyone else who knew him.

Ron was the embodiment of what a strong spirit truly is in life.
Of German decent, he was born in the Ukraine moving shortly after to Poland where he spent most of his childhood years.
Unfortunately, most of his teenage years were spent in turmoil as he struggled for three years to survive in a war-time prison labour camp. But his strength to live prevailed and after being released he found his way back to his family who had relocated to East Germany. He quickly realized he could not stay there. Escaping from East Germany he embarked on his biggest adventure – coming to Canada, where he became a very proud Canadian citizen. However, Germany always held a special place in his heart and he loved going back to visit his family.

After arriving in Canada in 1951, he found his way to Winnipeg. In 1959, he met his neighbour Pat and quickly became enamoured with his pretty nurse neighbour. They married in May 1960 and had a great life together raising their three girls and watching their daughters raise their families.

Ron was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross for over 60 years. He spent most of his working years at Westroc Industries where he held several positions. Retiring in 1990 he was proud to say he had never had to take one sick day.

Ron loved everything about life and his family was extremely important to him. He was proud and strong until his final hours. He was a man of few words and was not a complicated man. He enjoyed simplicity and did not think you needed “more” to be happy. He loved silly jokes, funny greeting cards, the Cash Cab TV show, Christmas lights, blueberry picking and his beloved garden. Those who knew Ron also knew he had the best and most prolific garden. Spending hours each day tending to his garden made him fulfilled and happy. He could grow anything and enjoyed sharing his vegetable crop with family, neighbours and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to the Grace Hospital emergency room and 3-South staff members. Your compassion and kindness was evident and appreciated during his final few days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 18 at 10:00 am at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington Street, Winnipeg. At the family’s request proof of vaccination and masks are required to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Ron’s memory.